Nationalism – SS1 Civic Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Nationalism can be defined as a sense of common unity, identity and aspirations existing among a group of people. It is also the patriotic activities on the part of enlightened people in a country to assert their rights to take part in the government of their own country. Nationalism is a strong attachment and conscious feeling to a particular country, or nation. Nationalism is the strong belief that the interests of a particular nation-state are of primary importance. Also, the belief is that people who share a common language, history, and culture should constitute an independent nation, free of foreign domination. It can also refer to the loyalty of an individual or a group to a nation.

In Nigeria, the nationalists include King Jaja of Opobo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir. Ahmadu Bello, Herbert Macaulay, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Margaret Ekpo, etc. However, in Africa, there are a lot of patriotic nationalists. They are Dr Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Dr Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Dr Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, etc.

Effects of nationalism in Nigeria

1. It gave impetus to the development of political parties in Nigeria
2. It encouraged citizens to participate actively in the economic activities of their own country
3. It allowed citizens to take up a responsible post in their counties based on the motto “Nigerian for Nigerians”.
4. It motivated rapid political and constitutional development in Nigeria which led to the gaining of independent
5. It helped to improve the country’s educational system.
6. It helps in the overall well-being of the country.
7. Nationalism becomes a country’s strength
8. It works as a great source of inspiration.
9. It quickened political consciousness among the populace.
10. It led to constitutional changes and development.
11. It led to the formation of the press.